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Controls on Soft Tissue Preservation in Fossil Bone
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Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Dispersion in Alluvial Deposits from Abandoned Mining Sites
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Mineralogical Characteristics and Genesis of Trapiche-Like Sapphire in Changle, Eastern North China Craton
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X-ray CT Analysis of Scheelite Ore, Kara, Australia
Journal Description
Minerals
Minerals
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of natural mineral systems, mineral resources, mining, and mineral processing. Minerals is published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), GeoRef, CaPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, Astrophysics Data System, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Geochemistry and Geophysics) / CiteScore - Q2 (Geology)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journal: Mining
Impact Factor:
2.2 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.5 (2023)
Latest Articles
Unraveling Dry Jigging: Insights into Pulsation, Energy Consumption, and Stratification Dynamics
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070678 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
The increasing concerns regarding water usage in mineral processing have led to a growing interest in dry jigging in recent years. However, there is still a need for a more comprehensive examination of the operational aspects of the technique. In this sense, this
[...] Read more.
The increasing concerns regarding water usage in mineral processing have led to a growing interest in dry jigging in recent years. However, there is still a need for a more comprehensive examination of the operational aspects of the technique. In this sense, this study focused on three main elements: (a) examining the air pulse pattern during dry jig operation; (b) assessing the evolution of the stratification profile over time using partition analysis; and (c) evaluating the specific energy consumption of batch dry jigging during operation. Also, an innovative operational strategy known as "transient pulsing" was proposed and analyzed, involving varying the intensity and frequency of the air pulse throughout the stratification process. All tests were conducted using density tracers spread across 11 density ranges (0.4–2.4 g/cm³) and a base bed (gravel) to analyze their separation in a batch, pilot-scale dry jig. Pressure drop and active power data were collected to measure the pulse characteristics and energy consumption. The airflow curves, obtained through pressure drop data, indicated that the pulsation process is more unstable as the airflow increases, possibly due to the pressure fluctuations experienced by air during valve closure. For the pulsation conditions used in the tests, the specific energy consumption was 10.66 Wh/kg of jigged material, with most of it related to the blower drive system. Analysis of the stratification evolution over time showed an oscillatory behavior, alternating between states of better (Ep < 0.1) and worse (Ep > 0.1) separation, especially for the near-gravity material (NGM). Results of the transient pulsation tests suggested that progressively increasing the vertical displacement of the bed during stratification resulted in slightly better segregation levels and more stable jigging evolution over time in comparison to stationary pulse conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
Open AccessArticle
Application of Integrated Geological and Geophysical Surveys on the Exploration of Chalcedony Deposits: A Case Study on Nanhong Agate in Liangshan, China
by
Shengping Gong, Keqiang Zhao, Mingming Wang, Shengwu Yan, Yong Li and Jianzhou Yang
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070677 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
Nanhong agate, esteemed for its vivid color and natural shine, is experiencing a scarcity in supply despite its high demand. The primary deposits of agate, typically found near the surface, have not been extensively explored due to the predominance of traditional manual excavation
[...] Read more.
Nanhong agate, esteemed for its vivid color and natural shine, is experiencing a scarcity in supply despite its high demand. The primary deposits of agate, typically found near the surface, have not been extensively explored due to the predominance of traditional manual excavation methods. This research examined the Nanhong agate deposits in the Zhaojue–Meigu region of Liangshan, China, employing the integration of geological and geophysical surveys. Field geological surveys allowed us to outline the general areas where agate is found. Following this, using magnetic surveys, vertical electrical sounding, and controlled-source audio magnetotellurics, agate deposits were located within the conglomerate layer of the second member of the Feixianguan Formation from the Lower Triassic period at depths of less than 100 m. Our results identify mineralized layers, Xuanwei Formation mudstone, and the underlying bedrock, thus supporting the creation of a mineral prediction map. This research provides essential insights and guidance for agate exploration and the development of associated mineral resources.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Magnetic and Electromagnetic Techniques for Mineral Exploration: Enhancing Resource Discovery)
Open AccessArticle
Feasibility Analysis of Bacterial-Treated Coal Gangue for Soil Improvement: Growth-Promoting Effects of Alfalfa
by
Yaya Wang, Mingwu Liu, Zhiting Di, Weilong Cao and Shihua He
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070676 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
The long-term storage of coal gangue (CG) mountains causes serious environmental problems such as water and air pollution. Thus, sustainable reclamation practices are urgently needed to minimize the environmental impacts brought by CG mountains. Pikovskaya medium was employed to screen microorganisms, which were
[...] Read more.
The long-term storage of coal gangue (CG) mountains causes serious environmental problems such as water and air pollution. Thus, sustainable reclamation practices are urgently needed to minimize the environmental impacts brought by CG mountains. Pikovskaya medium was employed to screen microorganisms, which were subsequently utilized to promote the solubilization of CG. XRF, SEM, XRD, and HPLC techniques were employed to characterize the CG before and after bacterial treatment. In this study, we have successfully isolated and purified a bacterial strain, identified as Stenotrophomonas bentonitica BII-R7, which possesses the ability to facilitate the solubilization of nutrient elements from CG. Factors including initial inoculation ratio, incubation time, CG particle size, CG concentration, pH, and temperature were examined to investigate their effects on the biosolubilization of CG. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the CG solubilization was also probed. Our data demonstrated that low-molecular-weight organic acids, such as acetic acid and formic acid, may harbor a crucial role in promoting the solubilization of CG. Lastly, we found that Stenotrophomonas bentonitica BII-R7, in conjugation with CG, can increase the alfalfa seed germination percentage and promote the growth of alfalfa. Together, these data provide evidence that bacterial-treated CG can be utilized for soil improvement and land reclamation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomineralization and Biominerals)
Open AccessArticle
Mineralogy of Gold, Tellurides and Sulfides from Lianzigou Gold Deposits in the Xiaoqinling Region, Central China: Implications for Ore-Forming Conditions and Processes
by
Guoming Weng, Jiajun Liu, Emmanuel John M. Carranza, Fangfang Zhang, Degao Zhai, Yinhong Wang, Shen Gao, Mingyang Si, Zaixin Su and Yingying Zhang
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070675 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
The Lianzigou deposit, which has an Au–Te paragenetic association, is hosted in plagioclase gneiss of the Qincanggou Formation in the Taihua Group in the Xiaoqinling region, central China. This quartz vein-type Au deposit comprises native Au and a variety of tellurides. The latter
[...] Read more.
The Lianzigou deposit, which has an Au–Te paragenetic association, is hosted in plagioclase gneiss of the Qincanggou Formation in the Taihua Group in the Xiaoqinling region, central China. This quartz vein-type Au deposit comprises native Au and a variety of tellurides. The latter include calaverite (AuTe2), krennerite (Au3AgTe8), petzite (Au3AgTe2), hessite (Ag2Te), melonite (NiTe2), and altaite (PbTe). Four stages have been recognized in this deposit: stage I consists of K-feldspar and quartz; stage II is of milky quartz veins accompanied by coarse-grained disseminated and lumps of pyrite with weak Au mineralization; stage III is composed mainly of Au, tellurides, and sulfides; and stage IV is characterized by abundant carbonate and quartz. Based on mineral assemblage and thermodynamic data, we estimated the physicochemical conditions of the main metallogenic stages. Based on thermodynamic modelling, the physicochemical conditions of Au–Ag–Te mineral associations were estimated. The Au–Ag–Te minerals from stage III formed mainly under conditions of logƒO2 = −43.15 to −33.31, logƒH2S = ~−9.29, pH < 7, logfTe2 = −10.6 to −9.8 and logαAu+/αAg+ = −7.2 to −6.5. In contrast, the physicochemical conditions of stage II were higher, specifically pH (8.3–8.5) and logƒO2 (−34.90−31.96). In the ore-forming fluids of the Lianzigou deposit, the dominant Au species was Au(HS)2− while the dominant Te species were HTe−(aq) and Te22−(aq). Moreover, the Au–Ag–Te metal associations in the Lianzigou Au deposit were derived from mantle materials related to lithospheric thinning of the eastern North China craton in the Early Cretaceous under an extensional tectonic system.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
Open AccessArticle
Use of Submarine Tailings Disposal as Alternative Tailings Management System
by
Erol Yilmaz
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070674 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
The importance of the mining/milling industry in increasing the growth level and welfare of countries is quite high. However, at the end of mining/milling processes, huge amounts of waste (often known as tails) are inevitably produced that have no economic value and can
[...] Read more.
The importance of the mining/milling industry in increasing the growth level and welfare of countries is quite high. However, at the end of mining/milling processes, huge amounts of waste (often known as tails) are inevitably produced that have no economic value and can even be considered dangerous due to some heavy metals they contain. These tails are highly problematic due to both their volume (difficult to manage environmentally) and toxicity (potential to cause acid/leach waters) and need to be handled outside of existing disposal methods. This article presents the effective and sustainable handling and application of tails resulting from the enrichment of copper–zinc ores, which are actively engaged in metallic mining activities in the northeast of Türkiye, with the submarine tails disposal (STD) method. In the mining operation under study, some (55–60 wt.%) of the tails are employed as underground fill, even though the residual part is disposed of by the STD method. The characterization of ore beneficiation tails, their transportation to the subsea via a pipeline system, and discharge monitoring results are detailed in the present investigation. According to the limitations which are indicated by the Turkish Control of Water Contamination regulation, the concentration of Pb-Cu found in the results was under the allowable limit of 0.05 mg/L. The allowed 2 mg/L limit for Zn was not surpassed mainly by the concentration found in the collected samples. pH values were almost above the allowable limit of pH > 5. The results reveal that the STD technique works quite well as an integrated mine tails method in the mine under study.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cemented Mine Waste Backfill: Experiment and Modelling: 2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Stability Analysis of a Mine Wall Based on Different Roof-Contact Filling Rates
by
Jiang Guo, Wenjun Yang, Yan Zhao and Wanzhong Zhang
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070673 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
This study takes the mine wall of the isolated mine pillar in the Dongguashan Copper Mine as the research object. Based on the mechanical model of the mine wall under the trapezoidal loading of the backfill, the expressions for calculating the safety factor
[...] Read more.
This study takes the mine wall of the isolated mine pillar in the Dongguashan Copper Mine as the research object. Based on the mechanical model of the mine wall under the trapezoidal loading of the backfill, the expressions for calculating the safety factor of the mine wall were derived by considering the load-bearing conditions of the backfill–mine-wall system under different roof-contacted filling rates. On this basis, the variation law of the safety factor of the mine wall with the roof-contacted filling rate was obtained, and the calculation result was verified by a numerical simulation and a field test. The research shows that for the same mine wall width, when the roof-contacted filling rate exceeds 9.53%, the safety factor of the mine wall exhibits a "trapezoidal" variation pattern with the increase in the roof-contacted filling rate. Moreover, the comprehensive benefits of isolated pillar recovery are made more credible by maintaining a wall width of 3 m and a filler jointing rate between 30% and 74.49%. This study analyzes the effect of the roof-contacted filling rate on the stability of the mine wall, which can provide a theoretical basis for mining isolated pillars by the filler method in deep mines.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
Open AccessEditorial
Editorial for Special Issue: “Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Basic–Ultrabasic and Alkaline Intrusions and Related Magmatic Deposits”
by
Nadezhda Krivolutskaya
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070672 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
Magmatic deposits are sources of strategic metals provided to the global market. Ultramafic–mafic intrusions contain PGE, Cu-Ni, Cr, Ti, and V deposits, while many rare metal deposits (e.g., Zr, Ta, Nb, Be, Y, Sc, Li, and Ge) are linked to alkaline intrusions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Basic–Ultrabasic and Alkaline Intrusions and Related Magmatic Deposits)
Open AccessArticle
Barite Replacement as a Key Factor in the Genesis of Sediment-Hosted Zn-Pb±Ba and Barite-Sulfide Deposits: Ore Fluids and Isotope (S and Sr) Signatures from Sediment-Hosted Zn-Pb±Ba Deposits of Iran
by
Abdorrahman Rajabi, Pouria Mahmoodi, Pura Alfonso, Carles Canet, Colin Andrew, Saeideh Azhdari, Somaye Rezaei, Zahra Alaminia, Somaye Tamarzadeh, Ali Yarmohammadi, Ghazaleh Khan Mohammadi and Rasoul Saeidi
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070671 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
Iran hosts more than 350 Precambrian to Cenozoic sediment-hosted Zn-Pb±Ba and barite-sulfide deposits, including shale-hosted massive sulfide (SHMS, also called SEDEX) and Irish-type and Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) mineralization, and barite is a common mineral in these deposits. In the SHMS deposits, barite is
[...] Read more.
Iran hosts more than 350 Precambrian to Cenozoic sediment-hosted Zn-Pb±Ba and barite-sulfide deposits, including shale-hosted massive sulfide (SHMS, also called SEDEX) and Irish-type and Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) mineralization, and barite is a common mineral in these deposits. In the SHMS deposits, barite is typically found as fine-grained disseminations in thin laminae. In these deposits, the sulfide laminae often occur as diagenetic replacements and as bands containing authigenic and diagenetic barite and pyrite framboids. In the Irish-type Zn-Pb-Ba and stratabound barite-sulfide deposits, barite exhibits various textures, including fine-grained disseminated barite, banded zebra textures, veins, and massive barite lenses. In some of the giant Irish-type deposits, as well as in the stratabound barite-sulfide mineralization, the main stratabound sulfide ore is developed within a barite envelope and is characterized by the replacement of barite and pyrite by chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite. In the MVT deposits, the formation of barite is often related to dolomitization, and sulfide mineralization involves the replacement of the dolomitized carbonate rocks, as well as associated barite. Fluid inclusion studies on the Irish-type deposits indicate that the temperatures and salinities of the sulfide-forming fluids are higher compared to those of the barite-forming fluids. Fluid inclusion analyses of coarse-grained barites from Irish and MVT deposits reveal their hydrothermal origin. The δ3⁴S values of sulfide minerals (pyrite, sphalerite, and galena) in Irish-type deposits exhibit a broad range of low values (mostly −28 to +5‰), primarily revealing a process of bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR). However, the textures (replacement, colloform, and banded) and more positive sulfur isotope values (+1 to +36‰) in the SHMS Zn-Pb deposits suggest that bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) plays a less significant role. We suggest that thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) connected to the direct replacement of barite plays a more relevant role in providing sulfur for the sulfide mineralization in the SHMS, barite-sulfide, and MVT deposits. Based on the textual evidence, sulfur isotopic data, and fluid inclusion studies, barite has been identified as a key controller for the subsequent Zn-Pb mineralization by providing a suitable host and significant sulfur contribution in the sediment-hosted Zn-Pb and stratabound barite-sulfide deposits. This implies that diagenetic barite might be a precursor to all types of sediment-hosted Zn-Pb mineralization.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stratabound Barite Deposits: Mineralogy, Isotope Geochemistry and Geochronology)
Open AccessArticle
Numerical Investigation of the Applicability of Preferential Grade Deportment by Size
by
Nazym Baizhiyen, Peter Dowd, Chaoshui Xu and David Lewis
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070670 - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
The effective separation of ore is based on two fundamental processes: liberation and separability. Liberation involves the reduction of size, yielding smaller particles with enhanced compositional homogeneity. Understanding liberation requires an understanding of rock breakage, as it impacts mineral liberation and helps identify
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The effective separation of ore is based on two fundamental processes: liberation and separability. Liberation involves the reduction of size, yielding smaller particles with enhanced compositional homogeneity. Understanding liberation requires an understanding of rock breakage, as it impacts mineral liberation and helps identify ores suitable for pre-concentration. Non-random breakage, influenced by textural and mineral properties, introduces heterogeneity in mineral distribution across size fractions. Physical attributes, including ore and gangue mineralogy and texture, influence fractionation tendencies during breakage. Notably, the presence of mineralization in veins substantially assists early-stage liberation in mineral processing. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology that allows the prediction of natural fractionation tendencies based on geological, mineralogical, and textural data using Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling. DEM simulations provide insights into granular material behavior, capturing phenomena such as crack initiation and propagation. The use of DEM, particularly with models such as the Flat Joint Model (FJM), enhances our understanding of rock damage mechanisms. In this paper, DEM is used to predict preferential grade by size deportment, and a numerical model is developed to reflect grade distributions across size fractions. A fragmentation analysis is conducted after rock breakage simulations using DEM to analyze the fragment sizes and grades and calculate the Response Rankings of synthetic specimens.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
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Open AccessArticle
In Situ Carbonate U-Pb Dating of Gold and Mercury Deposits in the Youjiang Metallogenic Province, SW China, and Implications for Multistage Mineralization
by
Jinwei Li, Yuzhou Zhuo, Yitong Guo, Xinyue Lu and Xinlu Hu
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070669 - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
The Youjiang metallogenic province (YMP) is a famous ore-concentrating area in South China, known for its substantial Carlin-type gold deposits, antimony deposits, and mercury deposits. Previous studies have yielded conflicting views regarding the ages of mineralization in this area, particularly regarding the occurrence
[...] Read more.
The Youjiang metallogenic province (YMP) is a famous ore-concentrating area in South China, known for its substantial Carlin-type gold deposits, antimony deposits, and mercury deposits. Previous studies have yielded conflicting views regarding the ages of mineralization in this area, particularly regarding the occurrence of Yanshanian versus Indosinian ore-forming events during the Mesozoic era. To resolve these discrepancies, this study utilized in situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating on carbonate minerals from the Lannigou Carlin-type Au deposit, the Lanmuchang Hg-(Tl) deposit, and the Sixiangchang Hg deposit to accurately determine their mineralization ages. Our results indicate that the three deposits formed at 137 ± 9 Ma, ~97 Ma, and 454 ± 21 Ma, respectively. By integrating previously reported geochronological data, we propose that the low-temperature Au-As-Sb-Hg-Tl deposits in the YMP were formed during two major periods, Late Triassic and Late Jurassic to Cretaceous, with the latter being more prevalent. Additionally, there was a Paleozoic hydrothermal mercury mineralization event at the northeastern edge of this region. These newly acquired data significantly enhance our understanding of multistage, low-temperature mineralization events in the YMP. Our study also demonstrates that in situ carbonate U-Pb dating is an excellent method for investigating the timing of low-temperature mineralization events.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Using Mineral Chemistry to Characterize Ore-Forming Processes)
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Open AccessArticle
Pyrite-Goethite Alteration in Supergene Oxidation Processes in Till: Elemental Distribution and Evaluation of Goethite Usability as a Fingerprinting Tool for Vectoring Mineral Deposits
by
Atte Taivalkoski, Jukka-Pekka Ranta, Pertti Sarala, Marko Moilanen, Paavo Nikkola and Tapio Soukka
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070668 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
In the formerly glaciated terrains in the northern hemisphere and countries such as Finland, till is the most common sediment covering the bedrock. Specifically, indicator or heavy mineral studies utilising till as a vector for mineral deposits undercover have been successful. The pyrite
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In the formerly glaciated terrains in the northern hemisphere and countries such as Finland, till is the most common sediment covering the bedrock. Specifically, indicator or heavy mineral studies utilising till as a vector for mineral deposits undercover have been successful. The pyrite trace-element composition from in situ mineral analyses has been shown to be an effective discriminator between different mineral deposit types, and this has led to research using heavy mineral pyrite in till to identify potential mineral deposits in a given area. However, pyrite is easily oxidised in till beds, and thus, alternative methods should be considered. Goethite pseudomorphs are more commonly found in the till sediments as remnants after pyrite oxidation. This study evaluates trace element compositions of goethitised pyrite recovered in the till beds from central Lapland in northern Finland. Intra-grain trace-elemental variations gathered using laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) between the intact pyrite core and oxidised rim demonstrated complex dynamics and variations between different trace-element values. For example, Cu, V and Mn exhibited elevated trace-element values in the goethite rim compared to the pyrite core. However, elemental ratios such as Ni/As and Co/Ni remain stable between the pyrite core and oxidised rim. Therefore, these ratios have the potential to be used as a discriminating tool between the pyrite core and oxidised rim. In addition, nanoscale variabilities using focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilised to inspect possible nano inclusions within the studied heavy mineral grain. The FIB and TEM studies revealed a nanocrystalline pyrite nodule observation within the goethite rim.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Exploration Methods and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
The Middle Triassic Intermediate to Basic Rocks in the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Northeast Tibet: Implication for the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean Closure
by
Wei Du, Lei Pei, Zuochen Li, Ruibao Li, Youxin Chen, Chengjun Liu, Guochao Chen and Xianzhi Pei
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070667 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Large volumes of Early Mesozoic intermediate to basic igneous rocks related to the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean are exposed in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB). The petrography, geochemistry, and results of zircon U-Pb dating of Defusheng intermediate to basic rocks from
[...] Read more.
Large volumes of Early Mesozoic intermediate to basic igneous rocks related to the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean are exposed in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB). The petrography, geochemistry, and results of zircon U-Pb dating of Defusheng intermediate to basic rocks from the eastern segment of the EKOB are presented in this report. Zircon U–Pb dating of the intermediate to basic rocks yields ages of 239–245 Ma (Middle Triassic). Defusheng intermediate to basic rocks have low TiO2 contents (0.80–1.47 wt.%) and widely varying MgO (3.14–6.08 wt.%), and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, having a geochemical composition similar to that of island arc basalts. The variation diagrams of major elements indicate that the Defusheng intermediate to basic rocks underwent fractional clinopyroxene and olivine crystallization. Depletion of the high-field-strength elements Nb, Ta, and Ti may have been caused by the mantle wedge having been infiltrated by fluids derived from the subducted slab. The Defusheng intermediate to basic rocks represent magmatic records of the Early Mesozoic oceanic crust subduction in Eastern Kunlun. This indicates that the final closure of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean and the beginning of collisional orogeny occurred after the Middle Triassic.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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Open AccessArticle
Origin of the Kunduleng Granite and Its Associated Uranium Anomaly in the Southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China
by
Jiaxing Sun, Deyou Sun, Jun Gou, Dongguang Yang, Changdong Wang, Li Tian and Duo Zhang
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070666 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
The Kunduleng granite hosts one of several significant uranium anomalies within the southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China. Whole-rock geochemistry and mineral chemistry data, along with the zircon U-Pb-Hf isotope have been used to constrain the petrogenesis of this granitic intrusion and the
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The Kunduleng granite hosts one of several significant uranium anomalies within the southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China. Whole-rock geochemistry and mineral chemistry data, along with the zircon U-Pb-Hf isotope have been used to constrain the petrogenesis of this granitic intrusion and the origin of the uranium anomaly. Microscopically, quartz, alkali-feldspar, and plagioclase are the essential mineral constituents of the granite, with minor biotite, while monazite, apatite, xenotime, and zircon are accessory minerals. Geochemically, the silica- and alkali-rich granites show a highly fractionated character with “seagull-shaped” REE patterns and significant negative anomalies of Ba and Sr, along with low Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios. The granite has positive zircon εHf(t) values ranging from +12.7 to +14.5 and crustal model ages (TDM2) of 259–376 Ma, indicating a Paleozoic juvenile crustal source. Uraninite and brannerite are the main radioactive minerals responsible for the uranium anomaly within the Kunduleng granite. Uraninite presents well-developed cubic crystals and occurs as tiny inclusions in quartz and K-feldspar with magmatic characteristics (e.g., elevated ThO2, Y2O3, and REE2O3 contents and low CaO, FeO, and SiO2 concentrations). The calculated U-Th-Pb chemical ages (135.4 Ma) are contemporaneous with the U-Pb zircon age (135.4–135.6 Ma) of the granite, indicating a magmatic genesis for uraninite. The granites are highly differentiated, and extreme magmatic fractionation might be the main mechanism for the initial uranium enrichment. Brannerite is relatively less abundant and typically forms crusts on ilmenite and rutile or it cements them, representing the local redistribution and accumulation of uranium.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralization in Subduction Zone)
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Open AccessArticle
Energy Mechanism and Acoustic Emission Characteristics in Rock-Backfill Composite Structure Specimens under Multi-Level Cyclic Loads: Cement-Tailings Ratio Effect
by
Dayu Long, Yu Wang, Changhong Li, Yunfeng Wu and Yongyue Hu
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070665 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of the cement-tailings ratio (CTR) on the fatigue properties, acoustic emission (AE) activities, energy dissipation, and fracture patterns of rock-backfill composite structure (RBCS) samples. The investigation employed multi-level cyclic loading tests combined with acoustic emission monitoring
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This study aimed to investigate the effects of the cement-tailings ratio (CTR) on the fatigue properties, acoustic emission (AE) activities, energy dissipation, and fracture patterns of rock-backfill composite structure (RBCS) samples. The investigation employed multi-level cyclic loading tests combined with acoustic emission monitoring and post-test CT scanning. The results indicated that the fatigue strength and fatigue lifetime of the RBCS samples initially increased and then decreased as the CTR was reduced from 1:4 to 1:12. The energy dissipation characteristics reflected the optimal energy absorption effect of the backfill at a CTR of 1:8. The AE ring counts/energy apparent skip phenomenon corresponded to the stress-strain curve from a dense to sparse pattern. The samples with CTRs of 1:4 and 1:8 showed a more significant increase in the peak frequency band at failure and released more energy. The fracture of the RBCS specimen was dominated by tensile cracking signals accompanied by some shear cracking signals. However, the proportion of shear signals was higher for samples with CTRs of 1:4 and 1:8. Similarly, the b value was smaller at failure. The 3D visualization images revealed that the fracture pattern of the RBCS was a mixed tensile-shear fracture, including shear fracture within the backfill, tensile cracking in the interface, and tensile-shear fracture within the rock. The volume and complexity of cracks increased and then decreased with decreasing CTR, i.e., from 1:4 to 1:12. The evolution of cracks probably involves internal backfill fracturing first, and then the fracture extends into the surrounding rock. A recommendation for the design of CTB was presented in this study to ensure the safety and stability of mine excavations.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
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Figure 16 Cont.
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Figure 18 Cont.
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Open AccessArticle
Full-Waveform Modeling of Complex Media Seismic Waves for Irregular Topography and Its Application in Metal Ore Exploration
by
Wenchao Su, Shoudong Huo and Xuhui Zhou
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070664 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Seismic exploration has caught widespread attention in metal ore exploration due to its higher resolution. However, the presence of topography and complex underground structures in metal ore exploration complicates seismic records. Therefore, it is essential to apply a numerical simulation method suitable for
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Seismic exploration has caught widespread attention in metal ore exploration due to its higher resolution. However, the presence of topography and complex underground structures in metal ore exploration complicates seismic records. Therefore, it is essential to apply a numerical simulation method suitable for metal ore exploration to study the propagation law of seismic waves in shallow and ore-forming zones, providing reliable theoretical support for multi-component seismic techniques. In particular, the presence of topography generates strong-amplitude surface waves, scattered waves, and converted waves, which consistently distort seismic records and affect the imaging accuracy of the metallogenic belts. Additionally, the propagation of seismic waves is also affected by the anisotropy and viscoelasticity of the underground medium. This paper proposes an elastic wave finite-difference numerical simulation method suitable for irregularly topographical and complex medium conditions, named the comprehensive parameter correction method, which implements a free-surface boundary condition based on the concept of medium averaging. It is algorithmically simple and implies no additional computational costs. Meanwhile, the results obtained by this method are highly consistent with those of the spectral element method, demonstrating its accuracy. By presenting several numerical simulation cases and illustrating the impact of topography and medium conditions on seismic records, this paper demonstrates the necessity of considering irregularly topographical and complex medium conditions in metal ore exploration. In conclusion, the numerical simulation method we propose provides a solid theoretical foundation for the application of seismic exploration methods in metal ore exploration.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismics in Mineral Exploration)
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Figure 12